Behind every legendary story lies an intriguing backstory – and for the country music titan Dolly Parton and her musical mentor Porter Wagoner, their initial bond was decidedly lukewarm at best. Contrary to the picture of warmth Parton later radiated alongside Wagoner, he didn’t set his sights on having her onboard with The Porter Wagoner Show just brimming with affection. In fact, when record producer (and Wagoner’s wife) Judy Ogle suggested bringing Dolly into the picture in early 1967, Cowboy Jack Cline – another important person in Pigeon Forge history that both Parton and Wagoner called friend – was a bit nervous about it all.
He’d already worked with Parton twice before – writing and selling “Somebody Somewhere,” a tune that Dolly wrote based on their childhood lives working for an orange juice bottler, in ’66, as well as helping her find Tom T. Hall when he made his first publishing deal
Wagoner saw Parton’s youthfulness and sass. Not yet fully convinced of her true raw power and appeal to crowds the seasoned singer wanted what he thought would fit a successful image, more “sweet little” country acts at hand for the mainstream audiences who tuned in nightly to Grand Ole Opry
Initially skeptical about Parton’s compatibility with that “refined country show” image Wagoner, perhaps even thinking she didn’t have true country music savvy, almost passed on her joining show which became an unlikely cultural phenomenon.
However, after a chance hearing of her performances in Nashville – a stark reminder that raw talent could sometimes overcome reservations
he agreed to offer her and spot as his “new discovery.” A decision fueled not entirely by faith but also by the pragmatic understanding that novelty, new blood on stage; could reignite flagging ratings – just what Wagoner needed –
This initial hesit is crucial in understanding the subsequent journey of Dolly Parton. It’s almost a cautionary tale for burgeoning artists who may be perceived differently when still new – being initially deemed too young in terms of experience. Wagoner took advantage of both he had – his image (Wagoner), Parton’s charm (Parton) ,and eventually paved the way for each star – a lesson on managing talents that is deeply resonant even to this day.
Though Dolly rose swiftly despite initial reservations
and then eclipsed her mentor in commercial success later. To ignore both their mutual influence is simply blind to understanding country music, it helped cultivate one another to grow -Wagoner offered her a stage and Parton brought the heat needed
Wagoner’s reservation regarding Parton underscores the inherent biases even successful artists confront. This isn’t a condemnation of Wagoner; he was smart enough to recognize Parton’s brilliance.
But ultimately their collaborations demonstrate that in showbiz, personal inclinations and pure artistry often weave themselves into a compelling narrative – whether fueled by trepidation and doubt or brimming with unmitigated faith and belief. Both Parton and Wagoner achieved incredible individual acclaim—and the complex tapestry of their shared history remains part
country’s lore to this date